millie ealing

by mia hadjigeorgiou

At just 21 years old, singer-songwriter Millie Ealing is yet to make a name for herself in the music industry, but with her passion, determination, and unique folk-pop sound, there’s no doubt that she’s got a bright future ahead…

Originally from Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, Millie first moved to London to study musical theatre at Italia Conti, but after finishing her foundation year course, she instead began working as a followspot operator on various West End shows.

She discussed how she “fell into [spotlight operating] really randomly actually”, following a brief stint of unpaid work experience in a West End theatre, which then led to ‘depping’ (covering) when main crew members were sick, before eventually landing the role of followspot operator working 8 shows a week on a popular West End show.

But while Millie stated she really enjoys working in lighting, and it’s a great opportunity, she also admitted that her ultimate ambition is undoubtedly to write music professionally on a full-time basis.

She said: “I just honestly want to be a songwriter. Whether that’s for other people or for myself, I just want to write songs because that’s what I love”.

Millie is humble about her musical abilities, but alongside writing her own original songs, she is an accomplished singer and musician, having taught herself the ukulele, piano, and most recently, the acoustic guitar.

She began with the ukulele in 2014 after discovering artists like Grace VanderWaal and Dodie, and as her talent for songwriting has grown, so too has her ability to pick up different instruments and turn her hand to them.

Her folk-pop sound is similar to that of some of her favourite artists: Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, boygenius, and Ethel Cain, but her unique talent for lyricism which evokes such a strong emotional connection from audiences to her subject matter is something which sets her apart as an artist.

She draws inspiration for her music not just from her own personal life, but from everything around her, whether it be something simple she’s observed on the train to work, or something much more complex, like “seeing friends in toxic relationships”.

Millie said, “I think if I gave you the context for every single song, you’d get it. But it’s also nice because you can get it without the context, like you don’t need to know the ins and outs of my personal life for it to be a relatable song”.

In essence, song writing serves as her creative output, and while her music is extremely personal, it also allows audiences to share in that connection due to its relatable themes, most saliently, experiencing the highs and lows of life and relationships as a young person.

Overall, though Millie may be the new kid on the block in the music industry, she offers something fresh and special which the industry has long since forgotten- grassroots artistry with true soul.